What is the best way to assist an injured swimmer experiencing cramping?

The best strategy for assisting an injured swimmer experiencing cramping is to help them stretch the affected muscle. This approach addresses the immediate issue of muscle cramping by alleviating tension and promoting relaxation within the muscle, which can provide relief from pain and discomfort.

Stretching the muscle allows for better blood flow and can mitigate the intensity of the cramp, making the swimmer feel more comfortable and potentially able to return to swimming safely. It’s important to exercise caution and ensure that the swimmer is supported during this process, particularly if they are in deep water or in a state of distress.

Other methods, such as encouraging the swimmer to keep swimming or swim faster, could exacerbate the cramping and lead to further complications. Additionally, letting them float might not provide the necessary support or alleviate the cramping effectively, as it does not directly address the muscle issue at hand. Therefore, stretching remains the most sensible and effective solution in this scenario.